As I have reported recently, I am now engaged on two EU funded research projects at City, University of London. These are entitled Coffers and Corplink. They are separate and have different, but overlapping, goals. The Corplink project starts on 1 December and last for four years assuming we meet the EU’s progress requirements in Read the Rest…

According to the FT this morning the UK might agree to pay billions a year to keep the City of London, but not the rest of the UK in the EU Single Market. Three thoughts. First, as ever the City proves itself a state within a state. But in that case, why not separate deals Read the Rest…

The FT reports this morning that: In its first blueprint for life after Britain leaves the EU, the City’s main lobby group has sketched out the vulnerabilities of the Square Mile and laid out a vision for how London can remain Europe’s financial capital. Top of TheCityUK’s wishlist is for sustained access to the single Read the Rest…

It looks as if Barclays wants to head back to the days of the wild west in the City of London when the economy was explicitly run for its benefit. The FT has reported that: George Osborne and Mark Carney should team up with senior figures in finance to promote the City of London and Read the Rest…

I never intended to become involved in debate on the independence of the Bank of England, but my promotion of People’s Quantitative Easing resulted in my being so. As many will know, I have problems with the very idea that the Bank of England should be seen as independent of the Treasury. The management of both Read the Rest…

This is from the FT this morning: A surge of investment fraud based in London’s financial centre has sparked alarm over the possible contamination of its brand, and authorities have begun a campaign of disruption against suspected criminals using exclusive addresses such as Tower 42 on Old Broad Street and Heron Tower. Dozens of people Read the Rest…

The FT has noted today that with Barclays having announced the end of its global investment banking strategy there are no UK investment banks left. The market is now US dominated. It’s an interesting point. Three thoughts follow. First, why in this case do we take such risk with our economy to support this activity? Read the Rest…

I’m taking part in an event for the People’s Parliament under the above title on Tuesday, Dec 16th, 6.30-8.30 pm in Committee Room 16 of the House of Commons. Along with the Tax Justice Network I have long argued that the scale and power of the City of London and support TJN’s view that there is a Read the Rest…

I note that the Department for Education has defined Britishness. According to the Telegraph: The Department for Education named the “fundamental” values as democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, and “mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs”. I thought I should apply this to the City of London’s lawyers, about whom Read the Rest…